Clinical Trials for NASH Patients in Kansas City
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
What is NASH?
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis, or NASH, is a term used to describe inflammation of the liver from fat that can lead to scarring and damage of the liver.
Affected Organs
- Liver
Causes
- Obesity
- Metabolic Syndrome
- High Cholesterol
Side Effects
- Enlarged Liver
- Jaundice
- Abdominal Pain (rare)
Proactive at KCRI
Being Proactive About NASH
Because NASH rarely presents symptoms until more advanced stages, often patients do not receive a diagnosis.
Proactive at KCRI
Even if your liver is in the F1 (Normal) Stage, we recommend patients get regular check-ups with their primary care provider that includes routine bloodwork in order to establish a historical record of your liver’s health and potential damage advancement.
KCRI can analyze your recent labs and help recommend next steps to keep your liver’s health a top priority in any stage of life.
FAQs about NASH
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NASH the same thing as liver failure?
NASH and liver failure are not synonymous. NASH is considered an aggressive form of Fatty Liver Disease, and can lead to advanced scarring and Cirrhosis. Subsequently, if left unaddressed, these conditions can (and often) lead to liver failure.
What’s a NASH Score?
Based on the results of a NASHTest (non-invasive liver test), KCRI can provide you with an assessment and diagnosis of your current condition. This diagnosis will contain a “score” or degree of damage in your liver. This is on a scale of zero to three; Stage 0 being a “normal” liver (no damage) and Stage 3 being severe damage.
What does KCRI look for when assessing the degree of liver damage?
After a Fibroscan Test, we may find that patients have varying degrees of liver damage. If we find liver damage but without the presence of fat in the liver, we can help you look for other causes. If we find fat and no damage, we typically provide education on the importance of diet and exercise and can set you up with a provider to receive long-term care. If your liver shows signs of both fat and damage, this is the first sign that a clinical trial might be right for you.
Can NASH cause additional complications?
Outside of liver failure, NASH can lead to other advanced symptoms. such as,
- Ascites, or abdominal fluid build up. When the liver stops functioning and doesn’t push fluid out of your body like it should, toxins and waste can build up in your abdomen.
- Esophageal Varices, or when the veins inside your esophagus and stomach bulge and bleed because they can’t function properly anymore. This can also lead to internal bleeding and can be fatal.
- Hepatic Encephalopathy. When your liver cannot process toxins properly, it may cause a build up throughout the body and can lead to disorientation and the inability to complete thoughts.
How can I treat NASH?
Fortunately, NASH can be reversed by reducing weight, improving lifestyle, and extracting fat out of the liver via medications, diet, and exercise. If lifestyle alone is not enough to completely eliminate or significantly reduce the fat in the liver of a NASH patient, we may recommend a clinical trial to help identify potential solutions.
Don't see the study you're looking for?
Those that Participate:
- See a board-certified physician at no cost
- Have access to possible new treatment options before the general public
- May be compensated for time and travel
We are continually getting new research studies for all types of conditions. Submit your information today to be contacted for upcoming research opportunities.